Tweeters,

This morning (March 13), Ellen, myself, and Ted Kenefrick-sp? observed the
Falcated Duck a number of times while walking the "Samish West 90" perimeter
trail. After spending about 45 minutes at the "traditional site" at the
south base of Samish Island and not seeing the duck amongst several thousand
American and Eurasian Wigeons, we went to Plan B. Ted found the duck grazing
amidst tall grass with a large flock of wigeons, near the base of the dike.
The ducks relocated a couple of times over the next hour, but each time
east returning to the fields and not Padilla Bay. From the dike, we had
excellent scope views.

In Anacortes, the "slam dunk" (according to Ted) Yellow-billed Loon was in
the marina just east of the Safeway store. We stood right above at a dock
edge as it dove only 30 feet from us. It was as close as I've been to this
bird. This is also the first time I've really appreciated how really small
the eye appears on a Yellow-bill.

Andy Stepniewski
Wapato WA
steppie at nwinfo.net